Remembering the Members of the Silent Service: Submariners from Pittsburgh

Each sound of the bell aboard the USS Requin, Sunday, was a somber reminder of the submariners who remain on eternal patrol -- after paying the ultimate sacrifice. A ceremony was held on the Ohio River, outside of the Carnegie Science Center, to honor the fallen and cherish a bond that can never be broken.

“That's what the dolphins mean [on this patch] and it's a brotherhood of the fins, as we call it,” said Requin Base Commander Huey Dietrich. “There’s no sailor left behind”.

A vintage World War II-era plane flew overhead and flowers were thrown down into the river, so that they could travel through the waters just like those who have served.

“They go on these submarines for months and months at a time underwater – preserving our freedom so everybody can enjoy it, as we speak today,” said Dietrich.

The moving ceremony hit home for veteran Rich McCarthy, of Cranberry Township, who was stationed in Pearl Harbor. His family said it was important to attend Sunday’s ceremony to honor him.

“To think about what they've done and what they've been through, it's certainly amazing,” said Rosemary McCarthy.

Admission to tour the USS Requin submarine will be free all day Sunday.

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